Dangiwa Expresses Support for NUJ's  Journalists’ Village Project    * acknowledges the crucial role of the media in national development    Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has given his support to the NUJ FCT Council in order to bring to fruition, their Journalists village project in the FCT, Abuja. He also gave assurance to include members of the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), in the housing programmes of the Ministry.   The minister gave this assurance when a delegation from the NUJ FCT Council, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, paid him a courtesy visit at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.    Dangiwa acknowledged the crucial role of the media in National development, saying that they bridge the gap between government and the people, informing, explaining and challenging the government to do better.   The Minister equally expressed appreciation to the NUJ FCT Council for their consistent efforts alongside the Media and Communications team of the Ministry, in spotlighting the programmes of the Ministry and policy actions, despite resource constraints.   Dangiwa told the Journalists' Union about key programmes of the Ministry under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the Renewed Hope Housing Programme which he described as a transformative initiative designed to address housing deficit and create jobs.   Accordingly, he explained the three (3) structured components of the Renewed Housing Agenda to include; Renewed Hope Cities of 1000 units in each of the six geo-political zones and the FCT; Renewed Hope Estates of 250 units in each state capital; and Renewed Hope Social Housing planned for 100 housing units in each Local Government Area of the country.   The Minister further informed about the commencement of work for over 10,000 housing units across 14 states and the FCT, as well as the completion of more than 150 slum upgrade and urban renewal projects across the six geopolitical zones, delivering roads, solar streetlights, clean water, among others, to deserving communities.   Dangiwa also spoke about the transparency approach the ministry adopted in the sale of the houses by creating the Renewed Hope Housing Portal-www.renewedhopehomes.fmhud.gov.ng, in order to give all Nigerians a level playing opportunity to purchase the houses of their choice   Speaking on structural reform, Arc. Dangiwa informed of the Ministry’s collaboration with the state governments and the World Bank to modernize land administration by implementing the Nigeria Land Registration, Documentation, and Titling Programme, which would unlock more than $300 billion in dead capital, to boost investment and productivity.   Similarly, he also spoke of partnership with Shelter Afrique Development Bank to finance the construction of 5,000 affordable housing units, “we are laying the groundwork for Building Materials Manufacturing Hubs in each geopolitical zone to support domestic production and reduce construction costs”, he said.   The Minister while emphasizing on the significance of the media in national development, requested for continuous collaboration with the Union, in educating the public to dispel misinformation and highlight the importance of the programs of the Ministry.   Responding to the request of the Union on Journalists’ village project, Dangiwa gave assurance that Ministry will support the union in securing land and facilitate building the estate through the Cooperative Housing Development of Nigeria under the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN).   He adviced that the Union secures a titled land as well as an architect who would design the houses, promising to direct the Federal Mortgage Bank to create corporative housing development to build the estate for the journalists, while the Union brings off takers who gets allocated to the houses, with a payment plan of up to thirty (30) years, at 6% interest rate.   Minister Dangiwa equally promised that the Ministry would inspect the ongoing pentagon building of the NUJ FCT council, for further necessary support.   Speaking earlier, the chairman of the NUJ FCT council, Comrade. Grace Ike, commended the visionary leadership of the Minister in the housing sector, describing it as bold, strategic and people-centred, with  remarkable strides.   She applauded Minister Dangiwa’s global engagements, particularly at the World Urban Forum, as well as his commitment to disability-friendly housing in compliance with national laws.   Comrade Ike, sought the support and intervention of the  Ministry in the NUJ FCT Journalists’ Village project in order to actualize affordable housing scheme for journalists; infrastructure support for the completion of a Pentagon building and a new ultramodern hall to accommodate over 2,000 journalists.   She also appealed for support in access to Housing finance and Capacity Building, seeking the inclusion of journalists in housing finance schemes through FMBN and other platforms. “We are not just here with requests, we come as partners, ready to spotlight your successes, engage critically where needed, and be part of the national solution.    With your support, the NUJ FCT Council will continue to strengthen the pillars of democracy, holding the powerful accountable, while working with government to achieve national goals”, she voiced.   The Chairman, further extended an invitation to the Honorable Minister to be a special guest at the Press Week event of the Union, scheduled for next month. ...

Housing Minister Inaugurates Expanded Ministerial Task Team on Building Collapse   * says issues of building collapse deeply interconnected, not responsibility of any one profession   Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc Ahmed Musa Dangiwa has inaugurated an expanded Ministerial Task Team on building collapse in Nigeria, Wednesday, 18th June, 2025.   The expanded Task Team comprises representatives of key Professional bodies and Regulatory agencies in the built environment, as well as professional staff of technical departments of the ministry   The Professional bodies and Regulatory agencies that were included in the task team are;  i) Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON) ii. Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) iii. Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN) iv. Town Planners Registration Council of Nigeria (TOPREC) v. Surveyors Council of Nigeria (SURCON) vi. Estate Surveyors and Valuers Registration Board of Nigeria (ESVARBON) vii. Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), and  viii. Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG).   Dangiwa, in his remarks, frowned at the alarming frequency of building collapse incidents in Nigeria, describing it as unacceptable and a national embarrassment.   “These avoidable tragedies have led to the painful loss of innocent lives, permanent disability for survivors, destruction of property, and irreparable psychological trauma for families”, he lamented.   Expressing the eagerness of the government to end the menace, the Minister stated that, he had earlier last year approved for the constitution of a Committee on Building Collapse in Nigeria to examine the root causes of the problem and propose practical and sustainable solutions   He informed that the committee, under the leadership of Arch. Maji Liberty Alkali submitted its report, proposing eighteen (18) key recommendations.    Dangiwa further informed that he subsquently directed that the committee be expanded to include key regulatory and professional bodies in the built environment, to allow for a  broad-based implementation, pointing out that the issue of building collapse was not the responsibility of any one profession but a deeply interconnected challenge that cuts across architecture, engineering, quantity surveying, town planning, land surveying, among others.   Underscoring the relevance of the expanded committee, the Minister stressed on the need for a holistic approach and collaborations across all professions in the building process.   He remarked that Architects must ensure that designs meet safety standards, Engineers must guarantee that structural calculations are sound, Quantity surveyors must confirm that costs and material specifications align, Builders must execute construction with integrity, and more.   The Terms of Reference for the reconstituted committee includes; examining the eighteen approved recommendations and advising the Ministry on phased and effective strategies for their implementation, developing a comprehensive roadmap for addressing systemic, technical, legal, and institutional challenges associated with building collapse.   Others according to the Minister are; proposing a national legislation to strengthen effective oversight of the federal government on building construction, as well as designing a compliance checklist and framework for regulatory and professional bodies to enhance oversight, promote accountability, and ensure adherence to standards and ethics in building construction and approvals.   Arc. Dangiwa reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to support the committee’s work; “I have directed the Permanent Secretary to ensure that the necessary resources and coordination mechanisms are put in place to enable you deliver on your mandate”, he said.   “Once your roadmap and action plan are submitted, I will work closely with relevant arms of government, both at the federal and subnational levels, to ensure the seamless implementation of your recommendations. We will also explore the possibility of integrating key aspects of your work into national housing and urban development policies and regulations”, he further added.   Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, expressed gratitude to the committee members for honouring the call to service; acknowledging their diverse expertise and institutional experience which is crucial to achieving the Committee’s Terms of Reference.   “As you are inaugurated today, we look forward to the emergence of a clear roadmap for strengthening structural integrity, enforcement, professional ethics, and accountability across the building and construction value chain. Let this Committee be remembered not just for diagnosing problems, but for driving change that saves lives and secures infrastructure”, he charged.   Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the committee members, the Chairman,  Arc. Umaru Usman Karaye, FNIA, representing Architects Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCON), expressed profound gratitude for the honour of being appointed as members of the building collapse committee.   He thanked the Minister for his efforts to address the long-standing, disturbing issue which the committee has been constituted to tackle, as well as the Minister of State and the Permanent Secretary for their supporting roles.   Arc Usman Karaye equally appreciated the various professional regulatory bodies for nominating their members to serve, ephasising the importance and urgency of the assignment and expressing commitment to working with all stakeholders.   Accordingly, he conveyed the excitement of the committee to collaborate and find a comprehensive solution to the embarrassing incidences of building collapse in the country, and looking foward to a close working collaboration with the management of the ministry to immediately address the challenge. ...

“UN-HABITAT IS A VALUED PARTNER FOR THE RENEWED HOPE HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT AGENDA” – WALE EDUN, MINISTER OF FINANCE   Thursday, June 5, 2025: The Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, has assured that the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a valued partner for the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development as it implements the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.    He commended the advisory role of the UN agency and the provision of technical assistance as critical inputs for efficient urban governance and sustainable development. He also affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the institution and fulfilling its financial obligations to enable it play a stronger role in assisting the Ministry.   The Minister stated this when the Hon. Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa, paid him a courtesy visit to introduce Mr. Mathias Spaliviero, the Senior Human Settlements Officer and Head of the West Africa Sub-Regional Hub of UN-Habitat, on Thursday, June 5, 2025.   In his remarks, Arc. Dangiwa emphasized that Nigeria’s partnership with UN-Habitat is not only strategic but essential. He noted that in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda—which prioritizes housing, land reforms, urban regeneration, and inclusive growth—UN-Habitat offers a globally connected, technically grounded, and capable platform for support.   He cited the successful collaboration between the Ministry and UN-Habitat on the recently approved revised National Urban Development Policy (NUDP) as a testament to what is possible when national efforts align with global expertise. “That collaboration demonstrated what’s possible when we work hand-in-hand with a partner whose mission aligns closely with our national priorities,” the Minister stated.   Looking ahead, Arc. Dangiwa highlighted UN-Habitat’s readiness to deepen engagement with Nigeria in several key areas, including slum upgrading, climate-smart urban planning, land administration, capacity building, and even co-financing of urban renewal projects. He called for a “whole-of-government approach” to unlock the full potential of the collaboration.   “What we are building is not just another partnership,” Dangiwa said. “It is a long-term development alliance with a UN agency uniquely positioned to help us deliver results at scale, in line with both the Sustainable Development Goals and the Renewed Hope vision of Mr. President.”   Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Mathias Spaliviero commended Nigeria for the recent approval of the revised National Urban Development Policy, describing it as a progressive step toward sustainable urbanisation. He expressed UN-Habitat’s satisfaction with the development and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to support the Nigerian government in the implementation of the policy.   Mr. Spaliviero also lauded the Nigeria Land Registration, Documentation and Titling Programme (NLRDTP), highlighting its importance in achieving inclusive and well-managed urban growth. He noted that UN-Habitat possesses the technical expertise and global experience necessary to support the successful implementation of the programme, which is critical to improving land governance and economic development.   Arc. Dangiwa concluded by thanking the Hon. Minister of Finance for his continued support, particularly in helping the Ministry meet its international obligations, align financing frameworks, and facilitate resource mobilisation to deepen the collaboration with UN-Habitat.   ...